top of page
Search
Writer's pictureWendy Wittulski

Knowing the difference between flatbed tow truck and wheel lift to truck?

No matter how good a driver you’re or how well you’ve maintained your car, breakdowns, accidents, and other automobile issues can occur anytime without warning and when you least expect it. No one plans to be stranded on the road due to engine malfunction, flat tire, accident, or other reasons, but life happens! The first thing you need to do is get to safety if you’re in an accident or stranded in mid of a busy road. The second thing you need to do is call a tow truck company. 



Flatbed Tow Truck

It is one of the most secure, popular, and commonly used types of tow trucks. As the name refers, it has a movable flatbed that can be lowered to the ground where the car can sit. If the car can’t be driven to sit on the flatbed, a winch can be used to pull the car onto the deck. Once the car is securely positioned on the flatbed, it’s raised from the ground onto the truck. 


Benefits

  • Perfect towing option for long-distance towing.

  • Flatbed tow trucks are ideal for towing large vehicles, including light trucks and SUVs.

  • The towed vehicle remains completely off the ground.

  • Vehicle tires remain off the ground, safeguarding from wear and tear, roadside obstacles, debris, etc.

  • A flatbed tow truck can tow multiple vehicles at the same time. 


Wheel Lift Tow Truck

Wheel lift tow truck uses crossbars fitted into hydraulic boom attached at both ends. It doesn’t lift the entire vehicle but hoists either the front or the rear end of the vehicle. This means either the front or rear tires would be on the ground while towing. The vehicle is hauled by sliding the crossbars under the tires and lifted through a hydraulic crane. Which side of the vehicle is lifted depends on the vehicle’s transmission. The most common tow truck after a flatbed tow truck is a wheel lift tow truck. This type of tow truck can be called an updated version of earlier used hook and chain technology. 


Benefits

  • Quick and easy way of towing vehicles.

  • Preferred method of towing for short distances.

  • Fastest way of towing vehicles from tight spaces.

  • Efficiently tows vehicles from places with low clearances.

  • Fastest way of towing smaller vehicles.


Flatbed Tow Truck or Wheel Lift?

Safety

The primary difference between a flatbed tow truck and a wheel lift tow truck is the safety and security it offers to the towed vehicle. 


The vehicle is positioned on a flatbed, there’s no risk of damage to the vehicle. 


None of the vehicle’s four wheels are on the ground, safeguarding it against further damage or wear and tear during transportation. 


For this reason, flatbed tow trucks are a common choice when towing vintage vehicles, sports cars, luxury cars, and prototypes. 


Size

Flatbed tow trucks are comparatively larger than wheel lift tow trucks and can even tow multiple vehicles simultaneously. For this reason, flatbed tow trucks are preferred for towing larger vehicles like SUVs. 


Wheel lift tow trucks cannot tow large vehicles and can neither tow for long distances. These are only preferred for smaller cars for short distances. Flatbed towing can be safer, more secure. We at Carters can help determine what tow truck is best for your situation.


Flexibility 

Flatbed tow trucks cannot fit into tight spaces and need sufficiently large spaces to tow the vehicle. Wheel lift tow trucks can fit in tight spaces, even in areas with low clearance. 


We are available 24 hours a day with two convenient locations in Marion County, Fl. We offer fast, friendly, & reliable service. Please call us at (352) 245-3123, visit us online @ carterstowingocala.com, or stop in and see us at4125 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala, FL 34479 or 8611 SE 126th Pl, Belleview, FL


41 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comentarios


bottom of page